DPS toys with credibility?

There’s no doubt in our minds that when a citizen violates the law, he or she is dealt with accordingly by law enforcement officers from the Department of Public Safety. In the case of driving under the influence on the public highways, patrol officers would definitely pull you over, conduct a breathalyzer test and at certain level of alcohol in your system, you’d be read your Miranda rights and placed under arrest for DUI, among other citations.

There’s no escaping especially when you endanger the safety of others on the public highways or other violations that infringe upon the rights of other citizens.

But when a police officer runs into his own boss who was allegedly drunk and nearly injured a pedestrian and lets him go Scott Free without going through normal DUI procedure, he places the image and credibility of DPS in bad stead. It erodes the trust that ordinary citizens have on a department that enforces the laws of these isles. It places serious suspicion on the ability of DPS to carry-out the letter and spirit of the laws so mandated each officer of the peace by the very nature of their fiduciary responsibility.

Definitely, the action of the police officer instantly exempting his boss of an alleged drunk driving which also included close calls with injuring a pedestrian may be a difficult moment. But it certainly was the defining moment whether he can execute his fiduciary responsibilities as a law enforcement officer. That he’s absolved him right then and there places his own credibility on the line when dealing with other citizens similarly situated.

The other irony in this mess is the role of the Department of Public Safety encouraging the general public to bring along a Designated Driver (DD) on family or community outings involving alcohol consumption. And this message is usually stepped-up as we approach the holiday season when partying is at its peak from public and private sectors’ office parties to family novenas all over the villages in these isles. People memorize this message almost second nature and practice bringing their own DDs when heading to family gatherings or a karaoke which involves alcohol consumption.

Perhaps this is one instance when the commissioner of DPS parked common sense in his empty beer cans or liquor glass as to forget bringing his own DD. Or that he’s driving a government vehicle makes sense that he calls one of his police officers to ensure that he gets home safely. But then after one drink too many and common sense seems too difficult to employ, he chances driving home under the influence oblivious of the dangers he now places on the safety and lives of others.

Yes, we’ve heard that Internal Investigation is reviewing the case. Yes, the general public wants to know how that investigation turns out in a situation involving the top law enforcement officer of the CNMI. We also want to find out how the officer is dealt with for grandly failing to carry-out his responsibility in the equal application of laws of the CNMI. We look forward to a speedy and fair resolution of this matter. Only DPS can ensure its own credibility in the eyes of the general public. Si Yuus Maase`!